Big Take

Justin Wolfers, economist and University of Michigan professor, discusses the implications of the government shutdown, emphasizing its political nature and limited macroeconomic impact. He highlights the human cost for public servants caught in the crossfire. Zeke Fox, a BusinessWeek reporter, dives into the world of crypto, tracing Justin Sun's rise from pariah to Trump donor while uncovering the intertwining of political power and cryptocurrency. Their insights reveal the complex dynamics at play in the current economic landscape.

Elizabeth Rembert, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in higher education, explores the fascinating trend of colleges partnering with retirement communities. She shares heartwarming stories of intergenerational friendships, like the mentorship between an 81-year-old and a college student. Rembert discusses how these arrangements offer financial solutions for schools struggling with enrollment, while also examining the challenges in creating these partnerships. The conversation unveils the benefits of shared learning and community for both seniors and students, shedding light on a unique educational evolution.

Paulina Cachero, a Bloomberg real estate reporter specializing in NYC housing trends, reveals the shocking truth about soaring rents that even high earners can’t escape. She discusses how remote work has changed the rental landscape and inflated demand, with many making over $100K now spending significant portions of their income on rent. Paulina also highlights the mismatch between job growth and housing supply, the rise of millionaire renters, and proposals for affordable housing. The conversation dives deep into the implications for renters and the pressing need for effective solutions.

Gregory Korte, a Bloomberg White House reporter, provides insight into the political dynamics surrounding the US government shutdown. Molly Smith, an economics editor at Bloomberg, discusses how the shutdown disrupts crucial economic data collection, affecting everything from the Consumer Price Index to job reports. They explore the immediate operational impacts on federal workers and implications for future Fed decisions. The conversation also highlights the increased reliance on alternative data sources and the uncertainty looming over policymakers and markets.

Join Bloomberg reporter Josh Saul, who delves into the shocking impact of data centers on our energy bills. He reveals how the explosive demand for AI is raising wholesale electricity prices, which are passed on to consumers. Hear about Baltimore resident Kevin Stanley’s struggle with skyrocketing costs and learn why local communities are worried. Discover insights on how utilities are navigating these challenges and the growing predictions for data center energy consumption reaching 4% of global demand by 2035. It’s a high-stakes conversation about technology and its costs!

Megan Scully, Bloomberg Congress editor, offers insights on the looming U.S. government shutdown and its political and economic repercussions. She discusses how current negotiations center around ACA subsidies and the potential chaos of shifting from furloughs to mass layoffs. Scully analyzes the stakes for both parties, the historical context of shutdowns, and the unlikely short-term market disruptions. Her predictions on job losses emphasize the long-term risks for the economy if the impasse remains unresolved.

In a gripping investigation by reporter Jackie Davalos, multiple voices—including a Kindbody employee, donors, and medical experts—shed light on the ethical quagmire surrounding billionaire Greg Lindberg’s controversial fertility practices. They discuss alarming issues like donor coercion and unregulated industry standards, revealing how Lindberg fathered multiple children while incarcerated. Experts highlight serious concerns about oversight, donor treatment, and the prioritization of profit over patient care, all amid Kindbody's turmoil and subsequent leadership changes.

In this insightful discussion, Elizabeth, a fertility patient, and Lacey Mickelson, who faced traumatic IVF experiences, share their stories seeking care at Kindbody. Elizabeth recounts being steered toward expensive IVF when she wanted less invasive options. Lacey reveals the pain of an unnecessary biopsy and her frustration with billing issues. Both highlight the pressures of company quotas influencing medical decisions. Ultimately, Lacey celebrates the birth of her son, shedding light on the complexities and ethical concerns within fertility care.

In this engaging discussion, Patrick Gillespie, Bloomberg's Buenos Aires bureau chief, dives into the complexities of Argentina's economic crisis. He unpacks the surprising US support for President Milei, including a potential $20 billion swap line aimed at stabilizing the peso. Gillespie highlights the political turmoil behind Argentina's financial struggles and examines the geopolitical motivations for US involvement. He also critiques whether this support will be a temporary fix or lead to lasting change amid upcoming midterm elections.

Guest Magdalena Del Valle, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the U.N., delves into the critical funding challenges facing the organization. She highlights how the U.S.'s unpaid dues hinder the U.N.'s ability to function and impact global peace efforts. The discussion reveals the implications of geopolitical shifts towards multipolarity and the legitimacy crisis within the Security Council. Del Valle also tackles recent changes in U.N. policy, such as asylum protocols and growing recognition of Palestinian statehood, showcasing the complexities of international diplomacy.